Karla Sofía Gascón Stands Her Ground Amid Oscars Controversy
Karla Sofía Gascón, the acclaimed “Emilia Pérez” actress, made a bold statement at the 2025 Oscars, despite facing public scrutiny on social media. The 52-year-old star found herself at the center of a lighthearted jab by none other than Conan O’Brien during his opening monologue at the prestigious awards show.
During the ceremony, O’Brien, 61, playfully teased Gascón’s publicist, hinting at a brewing scandal and humorously suggesting that if she dared to tweet about the event, she should remember his name as Jimmy Kimmel. The camera then panned to Gascón, sitting among the audience, as she offered a subtle smile and bowed her head in response to the playful banter.
The day following the Oscars, Gascón took to Instagram to express her gratitude to the Academy for the nomination and her attendance at the gala. In a clever nod to O’Brien’s joke, she humorously referenced the mix-up between Kimmel and O’Brien, playfully suggesting that Kimmel was beginning to resemble O’Brien more each day.
In her heartfelt post, Gascón thanked the Academy for recognizing her talent as a leading actress, reflecting on the joy of reuniting with friends and colleagues at the ceremony. She extended her congratulations to all the winners, including Zoe Saldana, Camille, and Clément Ducol, who secured victories for their exceptional work.
Gascón’s nomination for Best Actress placed her in the esteemed company of Cynthia Erivo, Demi Moore, Fernanda Torres, and Mikey Madison. In a surprising twist, Madison, at just 25 years old, emerged as the unexpected victor in the category. Meanwhile, Gascón’s film “Emilia Pérez” claimed two Oscars, with Saldana earning Best Supporting Actress and Ducol and Camille securing the Best Original Song award for their work on “El Mal.”
However, Gascón’s night wasn’t without its share of drama. Inside the iconic Dolby Theatre, she found herself entangled in a heated exchange with her co-star Selena Gomez, following the resurfacing of offensive tweets from Gascón’s past. The incident shed light on the controversy surrounding Gascón’s controversial remarks about Muslim culture and George Floyd, which had prompted Netflix and “Emilia Pérez” director Jacques Audiard to condemn her statements just weeks before the Oscars.
Despite facing backlash for her social media posts, Gascón remained steadfast in her commitment to growth and understanding. In a statement to People magazine, she acknowledged the hurt caused by her past remarks, expressing deep remorse for any pain inflicted. Emphasizing her ongoing dedication to creating a better world, Gascón affirmed her belief that light would always triumph over darkness.
In a candid interview with CNN en Español, Gascón defended her decision not to withdraw from the Oscar nomination, asserting her innocence and emphasizing that she had not committed any wrongdoing. Addressing the controversy surrounding her tweet about Gomez, Gascón adamantly refuted the claim, firmly stating that she would never use such derogatory language to refer to her colleague.
As the first openly transgender performer to receive an Oscar nomination, Gascón’s journey to the Academy Awards was marked by both triumphs and challenges. Her resilience in the face of adversity serves as a testament to her unwavering commitment to authenticity and inclusivity in the world of cinema.
Through her continued advocacy and dedication to her craft, Karla Sofía Gascón exemplifies the transformative power of storytelling and the enduring impact of representation in the entertainment industry.
